How To Remember the 5 Parts of The Declaration of Independence

PREAMBLE – “When in the course of human events . . .”
First, the “Preamble” declares it is the people’s natural right to change their governments and act independently according to their own free will.

RIGHTS – “We hold these truths to be self-evident . . . “
Second, the “Rights” declares that all people are endowed with the same inalienable rights, including the right to govern themselves.

INDICTMENTS (27 charges against the king) – “He has refused his assent to laws . . .”
Third, “Indictments” is a list of 27 charges against King George III and his ministers, accusing them of abuse, intrusion, interference and neglect of the urgent needs of the colonies.

DEFENSE – “In every stage of these oppression’s, we have petitioned for redress…”
Fourth, the “Defense” has two paragraphs describing the colonists’ efforts to resolve their concerns peacefully with King George III.

EXECUTION – “We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America . . .”
Fifth, is the colonists’ actual declaration that they now stand free and independent and separate from the King, from Britain, and from all their political, economic, and military oppression.

PRIDE – The first letter of each of the five parts of the Declaration of Independence.

Courtesy of Page 89 – 90: How To Save The Constitution; Restoring the Principles of Liberty,” by Paul B. & W. Cleon Skousen